Yellowstone National Park seeks information in incident that resulted in the death of a baby bison

An unidentified white male in his 40-50's, wearing a blue shirt and black pants, approached a newborn bison calf in Lamar Valley near the confluence of the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek. Photo: Yellowstone National Park // Hellen Jack

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Law enforcement at Yellowstone National Park has asked for the public’s help in finding information regarding an incident that resulted in the death of a baby bison earlier this month.

According to a press release from Yellowstone National Park, an unidentified white male in in his 40-50s, wearing a blue shirt and black pants, approached a newborn bison calf in Lamar Valley near the confluence of the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek on the evening of May 20.

The calf had become separated from its mother when its herd crossed the Lamar River, and the man pushed the calf up from the river and onto the roadway. Witnesses later saw the calf walk up to cars and follow people on the roadway.

Although park rangers repeatedly tried to reunite the calf with its herd they were unsuccessful, and the calf was later killed by park staff because it continued to approach people along the roadway.

“Federal and state regulations prohibit the the transport of bison out of Yellowstone unless those bison are going to meat processing or scientific research facilities,” said a statement from Yellowstone National Park. “We made the choice that we did not because we are lazy, uncaring, or inexpert in our understanding of bison biology. We made the choice we did because national parks preserve natural processes.”

Park regulations require that people stay at least 25 yards away from all wildlife, and at least 100 yards fro bears and wolves.

“Disregarding these regulations can result in fines, injury and even death,” said a press release from Yellowstone National Park. “The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules.”

The incident is currently under investigation, and anyone with information has been asked to contact the Yellowstone National Park Tip Line at 307-344-2132 or YELL_Tip@nps.gov.